Otto Runs for President by Rosemary Wells

Otto Runs for President
Written and illustrated by Rosemary Wells
Scholastic Press, $15.99
32 pp., ISBN-13: 978-0545037228

Review by Amy Brozio-Andrews

As we move firmly into election season, there are plenty of chances that your young children may want to ask questions about it. They may hear about the presidential campaigns at school or see something on the news or overhear you talking about it. Right on cue, Rosemary Wells' Otto Runs for President offers young readers a microcosm of the American election process in an average elementary school.

At Barkadelphia School, Tiffany the Poodle is vying against Charles the Bulldog for the position of school president. A bumper sticker campaign escalates to special cheers and fight songs. Soon, rumors and innuendo seep into each campaign ("Did Charles copy Pierre's homework?" "Did she spend your class dues… on hair spray?"). Tiffany's and Charles' supporters pressed on, each side firmly believing that their candidate was best by dint of her beauty and popularity and his athleticism and popularity. Meanwhile, Otto decides to run for president against them. He talks to everyone in the school, taking notes about what's important to them. Instead of holding self-celebratory rallies, Otto makes cookies for his schoolmates. Soon it's time for the students to vote -- may the best dog win!

In a scaled down version of a whole election, from beginning to end, complete with sparring between candidates and the rise of the dark horse candidate, Otto Runs for President is a good introduction to the idea of an election and how it works for young readers. Wells demonstrates, in a slightly over-the-top and child-friendly way, how dirty tricks don't work and how genuine concern for fellow citizens does; kids will come away with the idea that selflessness and real leadership matter most. It's a solid if simplified introduction to politics and just in time for this fall's busy election season.

Illustrated by Rosemary Wells as well, the artwork fully supports the narrative. Brightly colored bumper stickers are splashed across a wall of institutional-green lockers. Stylish Poodle supporters of Tiffany have long lashes and well-coiffed hair, while Charles' Bulldog supporters are stocky and convey real energy. Otto's earnest look sets him apart; his attentive appearance separates him from the other candidates. The artwork is bright and charming, making creative use of story items like sticky notes, flyers, flashing buttons, and cookies. The only drawback is that some scenes look slightly amateurish and incomplete, with characters against a white background.

Rosemary Wells, the creator of the Max and Ruby books, does a good job of trying to convey the excitement and fast pace of a real-world election. The book will likely increase kids' understanding of how an election works as well as spur more questions among interested children.